Wilmot Park Boat Launch & Stage

At a glance

The Wilmot Gateway Park Boat Launch & Stage Project creates a vibrant, accessible space for both outdoor recreation and community events, enhancing the overall park experience for all visitors. The project is proudly sponsored by King County Parks and is a key part of the City’s efforts to enhance recreational access and preserve the natural environment along the Sammamish River.

• Creates a ramp for launching non-motorized personal watercraft, such as paddleboards and kayaks, directly from the banks of the Sammamish River.
  
  
• Builds a multifunctional stage for hosting special events designed to host special events such as plays, live music, and other community gatherings throughout the year. A built-in seating area with views of the river and boat launch will be included.

Key benefits

• Enhanced Recreational Opportunities: Visitors will have easy access to launch their paddleboards and kayaks from the new ramp, improving water-based recreation along the Sammamish River.
• Community Engagement: New multifunctional stage will serve as a venue for a variety of events, including plays and live music performances, bringing the community together year-round.
• Improved Park Amenities: Seating area and stage overlooking the river and boat launch will provide a space for people to relax, enjoy nature, and engage in local cultural activities.

Scope of work - Project status

• Boat Launch and Habitat Restoration: The design for the boat launch and habitat restoration is currently 30% complete. The City is actively pursuing environmental permits throughout 2025 and 2026 to ensure compliance and mitigate impacts. This phase will result in a full design and permitting process for the boat launch.
• Stage Design: The conceptual design using a "sails concept" for the multifunctional stage has been completed incorporating community input.
• Environmental Impacts: The project will include significant riparian restoration efforts, aimed at improving the health of the Sammamish River shoreline. Key actions include the removal of invasive plants, eliminating non-native species that threaten local ecosystems and planting native species by introducing appropriate native vegetation to restore the natural habitat along the river's edge.
  
  

Project schedule (anticipated)

Boat Launch: Construction for the boat launch will occur during the 2026 Fish Window, a designated time period when work in Washington state waters is allowed to minimize disruption to aquatic life.

Stage Construction: The construction of the multifunctional stage is anticipated to begin in 2027, or as soon as funding becomes available.

Project funding

Total Project Funding: $650,000, which includes a $250,000 King County Parks grant.

Approved Budget: This budget covers planning, design, and permitting for the entire project, but does not include funds for the construction of the stage.

Boat Launch & Habitat Rehabilitation: The construction of the boat launch and habitat restoration may be possible within the available funds, depending on resource allocation.

Prior community outreach and engagement

In 2024, the City engaged with the community during the Wilmot Gateway Park Woodinville Summer Concerts (July 10 and 17, 2024). During the events, residents and visitors had the opportunity to explore conceptual designs for the project and participate in shaping the final design through feedback and suggestions. These efforts helped gather valuable input from the community to ensure the project aligns with public expectations and needs. The final design concepts were the Sails and Forest concepts. The Sails concept was selected.